The Shamrocks kicked off the first of their three titles with a surprise victory in '05

Westfield made only six state finals in the decade, second lowest among all schools on this list. However, what the Shamrocks accomplished at those meets put Westfield undoubtedly among the top three girls programs of the decade. In fact, running well at the state meet was the hallmark of the ‘Rocks program in the ‘00s. Westfield won two state semistate championships but three state championships; in 2004, 2005 and 2008, the ‘Rocks state meet finish was better than at the semistate.

The 'Rocks were at the state finals just once in the first four years of the decade, finishing 19th in '02. When they returned in '04, however, they went on a tear, finishing second in '04 before winning three straight. Westfield’s three-peat from ’05 to ’07 highlights the decade for the ‘Rocks. In fact, Maggie Bingham ran in four state finals for Westfield and earned five rings: three team titles, one team runner-up and one individual runner-up. Besides Bingham, Kristina Krasich and Katilyn Love were multiple individual medalists. Those three provided the heart of Westfield’s three-peat.

Though the ‘Rocks missed the most recent state meet by a mere two points, Westfield is only a year removed from a five year podium streak that included four team rings. With the backing of the state’s best area for running, a lot of recent hardware to display and perhaps the state’s best girls coach, Westfield should be a force in the next decade as well.

Westfield became the first Indiana team to attend the cross country national finals by virtue of their first state title

Photos courtesy Scott Lidskin